Say It Isn't So

May 22, 2008 06:36 PM

by travelingpants

Hello everyone,

I received some really bad news about the pay scale in SOME hospitals in the houston area. I'm a nurse with a combine experience of 5years. I was an LPN for 6 and now a RN for 2 years. HCA facilities say that they will credit me 3 years of my LPN. So that means that I have 5 years RN experience. Tell Me with 5 years experience, how can they only offer me 26.90/h

. The most that another HCA facility is willing to pay me is 28/h. And yes, I am aware that the cost of living is cheaper. BUT STILL, how can this be? I spoke to someone at BT and they told me that my hourly may be 33/h with 5 years experience. Why is there such a big difference.
All input wellcomed

Thanks

**TheCommuter** · May 22, 2008, 06:41 PM

Re: Say It Isn't So

Prior to moving to TX, where did you work as a nurse?

You are obviously accustomed to higher pay rates.

travelingpants · May 23, 2008, 01:09 PM

Re: Say It Isn't So

Commuter, thanks for responding. And yes i am used to a higher pay scale. When i made the decision to relocate to the area, i fully expected to receive a lower pay scale. But it baffles me when 1 facility offers 26/h and another 33/h for the same experience. If anyone out there can tell me what the pay scale is for a 5 year RN I would appreciate it.

Thanks

TexasPediRN · May 23, 2008, 01:40 PM

Re: Say It Isn't So

I can tell you that for 3 years RN, the range in the med center is approx. 30$.

The med center does offer a 'med center differential' which in my case was 2-3 dollars an hour more.

outside of the med center, hourly rates are less, but you arent dealing with the killer traffic and off site parking

RN1989 · May 23, 2008, 05:04 PM

Re: Say It Isn't So

Obviously the pay rates you are seeing have to do with the individual facility needs - meaning they may not be the best places to work. I've never seen a nurse make in the $30/hr area in TX unless they were float/agency or had 30 yrs of experience.

TexasPediRN · May 23, 2008, 05:12 PM

Re: Say It Isn't So

Originally Posted by RN1989

I've never seen a nurse make in the $30/hr area in TX unless they were float/agency or had 30 yrs of experience.

The OP said Houston, and in the med center, this is the going rate it seems.
I got quoted from a few places, and this is the norm.

I worked, and still work, at another smaller hospital in the med center and made 27.47, however, this was with free on site parking and all surgeries were elective. The pay per hour was lower, but the benefits were better.

labcat01 · May 23, 2008, 08:14 PM

Re: Say It Isn't So

Originally Posted by RN1989

I've never seen a nurse make in the $30/hr area in TX unless they were float/agency or had 30 yrs of experience.

I have to agree with MeghanRN- it is not unheard of to make over $30 in the medical center in Houston. That being said a few of my friends in Dallas make over $30 with differentials (and they are new grads)

travelingpants · May 24, 2008, 06:36 AM

Re: Say It Isn't So

Ok, Ok, so i am not going crazy when i say to the recruiting form that i'm working with that i will not accept a job for 26/h.

Commuter, you made me feel like i was asking for too much. I have 5 YEARS of experience! That is worth more than 26/h. This rate is a new grad rate. I'm not saying that if i find a position that i absolutely love that i will not accept this rate, but come on nursing is nursing. I did speak with someone at BenTaub who stated that if hired, my rate (maybe) 33/h

NOW THATS WHAT I"M TALKING ABOUT!

Thanks to all those who responded. Your input is invaluable to those of us who are in the relocation process.

TX_ICU_RN · May 24, 2008, 05:13 PM

Re: Say It Isn't So

I live in DFW and 5 years of experience should get you $27-30/hour MAX base at most facilities. The cost of living here is significantly less than many other places across the nation. If you have not lived in Texas before, I would visit Houston and other areas you are considering before deciding on Ben Taub. If I lived in Houston and worked in the Med Center, I would commute about 1 1/2 hours each way every day in order to live in an area with good schools and housing...which is totally not worth it to me.

The long and short of it is that you have to do what works for you. I just recommend that you look at the whole picture, not just the hourly rate. Look at benefits, commute, cost of living, etc. Good luck!

Dalton · May 25, 2008, 07:05 PM

Re: Say It Isn't So

Originally Posted by RN1989

Obviously the pay rates you are seeing have to do with the individual facility needs - meaning they may not be the best places to work. I've never seen a nurse make in the $30/hr area in TX unless they were float/agency or had 30 yrs of experience.

My wife was offered a job (telemetry unit) 30 miles north of Houston in The Woodlands and the base salary is $32.00 an hour. Not including the shift differential. Also a 10k signing bonus. She has 10 years RN/BSN experience.

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Say It Isn't So

Say It Isn't So

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